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Texas wins judgment to seize FLDS ranch
Date: 2014-02-14 Source: fox13now.com

 

  File Photo: FLDS YFZ Compound  

  ELDORADO, Texas A judge has cleared the way for the state of Texas to seize the Fundamentalist LDS Churchs sprawling ranch.  

  In an order signed Monday, 51st Judicial District Judge Barbara Walther entered a default judgment in favor of the Texas Attorney Generals Office.  

  The court papers, obtained by FOX 13, reveal that no one responded from the FLDS Church including imprisoned polygamist leader Warren Jeffs.  

  Therefore, there being no remaining issues or parties in this case, the Court hereby renders Final Judgment of Forfeiture and the terms of the default judgement and judgment concerning ad valorem taxes are merged into this final judgment, Walther wrote.  

  The Texas Attorney Generals Office did not return FOX 13s request for comment.  

   Texas filed to seize the ranch, claiming it was used to commit crimes. Jeffs and 11 other FLDS men were convicted in the aftermath of a 2008 raid on the Yearning For Zion Ranch of charges related to underage marriages. Jeffs is serving a life, plus 20-year sentence for child sex assault.  

  Judge Walthers order leaves open room for an appeal from the FLDS Church and the ranchs owner, the United Order of Texas Trust. The Eldorado Success, which first reported the default judgment, said they have 30 days to file an appeal before the judgment is final.  

(fox13now.com, January 7, 2014,)  

Original Text From:  http://fox13now.com/2014/01/07/texas-wins-judgment-to-seize-flds-ranch/